After enduring nearly three weeks of unhealthy air quality, Singapore’s atmosphere improved to a good-to-moderate range on October 22. This marked the end of an 18-day period characterized by haze, during which the air quality had been deemed unhealthy since October 5, when the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) readings exceeded the 101 threshold.
At 3 p.m. on October 22, the 24-hour PSI across Singapore ranged from 71 to 99, allowing residents to safely resume outdoor activities. The western region was the last to transition out of the unhealthy category, with its PSI decreasing from 101 to 99.
Throughout the island, fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, remained within the normal range. The one-hour PM2.5 readings were between 16 and 39 micrograms per cubic metre, suggesting a return to more typical air conditions.
Despite the current improvement, regional haze remains a concern. Satellite data continues to show hotspots in Indonesia, although prevailing winds have thus far directed much of the smoke away from Singapore. Neighboring areas, including parts of Peninsular Malaysia, Kalimantan, Sumatra, and western Sarawak, are experiencing denser pollution.
